Nismo takes the 2017 Nissan GT-R to the next level

The 2017 Nissan GT-R Nismo has made its official debut today at the famous Nurburgring race track. Rather fitting for an official launch; the Nurburgring was where the GT-R’s performance was honed, tuned and developed.

The new Nismo GT-R benefits from a refreshed face, similar to that on the standard GT-R. There is an enlarged dark chrome V-motion grille which improves cooling without hindering its aerodynamic performance. The hood has also been reinforced to avoid deformation at high speeds.

Unlike the standard model, the front bumpers of the Nismo are made of carbon fibre, crafted with what Nissan call ‘TAKUMI-like’ precision where layers of carbon-fibre sheets are overlapped to achieve the ideal amount of stiffness. The canards have also been designed to improve airflow around the vehicle and generate a high level of downforce, while at the same time, direct air around the wheelhouse to improve the aerodynamics. Overall, the new shape generates more downforce than any other Nissan production car to date, which in turn should result in higher-speed stability.

The new Nismo is also the proud benefactor of a refreshed interior with the cabin possessing a more upmarket feel. The redesigned dashboard, steering wheel and centre armrest are wrapped in Alcantara. The centre dash layout was also improved by integrating navigation and audio controls, reducing the number of switches from 27 in the previous model to only 11. The navigation display has been enlarged to an 8-inch touch-panel LCD.

The navigation can be operated via a remote touch style controller mounted on the carbon-fibre console. Unique to the GT-R NISMO are the leather-appointed Recaro carbon bucket seats with red Alcantara inserts.

A Nismo wouldn’t be complete without some performance upgrades over the standard model. The all-wheel-drive system has been improved, thanks in part to the standard model’s significantly reinforced body. The stiffened body structure allowed Nissan engineers to refine the GT-R NISMO’s shock absorbers, springs and stabilizers, all of which result in a better handling car.

The GT-R features Bilstein driver-adjustable dampers, which utilise multiple sensors to appropriately apply damping forces and a high level of control for a variety of driving situations. Special NISMO-tuned shock absorbers, more effectively transfer the power of the twin-turbo 3.8-liter V6, which produces a massive 441kW and 652Nm.

Dubbed the ‘VR38DETT’, the GT-R NISMO’s engine is the result of the expertise that NISMO has gained from participating in motorsports events around the world. The twin-turbo V6 is mated to a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox, it features a pair of high-flow, large diameter turbochargers used in GT3 competition. As with the standard model, each GT-R NISMO engine is hand-assembled from beginning to end in a special clean room by meticulously trained technicians. Each engine is carries on it an aluminium plate showing the name of the TAKUMI engine craftsman who assembled it.

“The GT-R NISMO emphasises the ‘R’ in its nomenclature,” said Hiroshi Tamura, the Chief Product Specialist of the GT-R NISMO.

“Its direct ties with racing make it at home on any racetrack, providing the highest levels of excitement and exhilaration for the driver. With the 2017 GT-R as a starting point, the new NISMO version has become a more well-balanced machine, with not just increased performance, but a heightened premium feel overall. It is the result of our relentless pursuit of ultimate driving pleasure.”

From the get go, the 2017 Nissan GT-R Nismo will be available in 5 different exterior colours. It will be assembled in Tochigi, Japan, with the engines hand-assembled in Yokohama, Japan.

There is no word on whether the 2017 Nismo engineered GT-R will make it to Australian shores, if it does, you can be sure you’ll hear it here first.